Best Nursing Homes in California

323 of 1163 nursing homes (28%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#25 of 50 states

323 recommended · 491 avoid · 345 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

323

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

323 recommended 67 caution 491 avoid

National Rank

#25

Average

Total Facilities

1163

across 345 cities

Facilities to Avoid

491

353 Grade F

$31,499,176 in combined fines

Best City

Garden Grove

100% recommended

State Average

3.1

CMS star rating

California vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between California and national averages
Metric California National Verdict
% Recommended 28% 31% ✗ Worse
Average CMS Stars 3.1 3.0 ✓ Better
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The California Reality

Nursing home care in California presents a mixed picture for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. The state ranks 25th out of 50, with only 28% of its nursing facilities (323 out of 1,163) receiving recommendations, slightly below the national average of 31%. This ranking indicates that while some facilities provide commendable care, a significant portion does not meet the standards families may expect. With an average CMS star rating of 3.15, California's nursing homes fall into the average range, suggesting that families need to be diligent in their search for quality care.

Among the highlights, Garden Grove stands out as the best city for nursing home care, boasting a remarkable 100% recommendation rate. Additionally, the top-rated facility, San Francisco Towers in San Francisco, holds a trust score of 95, a testament to its quality services. However, families must also be cautious when navigating the landscape of California nursing homes. There are 491 facilities that are advised against, including 353 that have received an F grade. Collectively, these facilities have accumulated fines totaling over $31 million, raising concerns about the quality of care they provide.

When searching for a nursing home in California, families should prioritize several key factors. First, checking trust scores and CMS star ratings can provide important insights into the quality of care offered by a facility. Families should also investigate any recent fines levied against the facility, as this can indicate underlying issues. Touring potential facilities and engaging with staff can provide a clearer picture of the environment and care standards. Ultimately, thorough research and careful consideration are essential for making an informed decision about nursing home care in California.

Quality Trend

Is California improving or declining?

2024
31%
2025
29%
2026
28%

California quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across California nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In California, 353 out of 1163 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 491 facilities in California recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $31,499,176, California nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in California

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

  1. 1
    SAN FRANCISCO TOWERS

    San Francisco

    95 A+
  2. 2
    95 A+
  3. 3
    95 A+
  4. 4
    95 A+
  5. 5
    95 A+
  6. 6
    95 A+
  7. 7
    95 A+
  8. 8
    95 A+
  9. 9
    95 A+
  10. 10
    95 A+

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in California

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Garden Grove

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Garden Grove

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California compare to neighboring states?

California ranks 25th nationally in terms of nursing home care, which places it in the middle tier compared to neighboring states. For instance, states like Oregon and Nevada often have higher rankings, indicating that their nursing home care services may be perceived as better by residents and families.

What percentage of nursing homes in California meet quality criteria?

Approximately 28% of nursing homes in California meet quality criteria, which is slightly below the national average of 31%. This percentage reflects the state's commitment to improving care standards, although there is still room for enhancement.

Which city in California offers the best nursing home care?

Garden Grove is recognized as the best city in California for nursing home care, offering a range of facilities that excel in quality and services. The city's commitment to maintaining high standards contributes to its favorable reputation among residents and families seeking care options.

What is the cost of a private room in a California nursing home?

The average cost of a private room in a California nursing home is around $10,000 per month. This figure can vary significantly depending on the location and amenities offered by the facility.